Lecture Notes: Introduction to Programming with Python

Overview

• Python is a popular programming language, highly sought after for jobs.
• Ideal for beginners due to its simple syntax and ease of use.
• This course provides comprehensive Python programming knowledge.

Course Structure

• Designed with practical examples to assist learning.
• Focus on core concepts in Python programming.

Installation

1. Python Installation

   • Visit Python.org
   • Download latest version: Python 3 vs. Python 2
     • Python 2: Legacy, less support.
     • Python 3: Actively maintained, recommended.
   • Installation process involves downloading and running executables.

2. Text Editor Setup

   • Use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm.
   • Install from JetBrains.
   • Choose the Community version for free access.

First Python Program

• Create a project in PyCharm.
• Use "Hello, World!" to print basic text on screen.

Basic Python Concepts

Variables

• Containers for storing data values.
• Types include strings, numbers, and booleans.

Strings

• Methods to manipulate: .lower(), .upper(), .isupper(), etc.
• Concatenation: Combining strings using +.

Numbers

• Basic arithmetic operations: +, -, *, /.
• Functions: abs(), pow(), max(), min(), round().*

User Input

• Use input() to capture user data.
• Convert input to required data type (e.g., int, float).

Building Programs

Simple Calculator

• Perform basic arithmetic with user inputs.

MadLibs Game

• Create interactive storytelling by substituting user inputs.

Data Structures

Lists

• Store multiple items in a single variable.
• Functions: .append(), .insert(), .remove(), .sort(), .reverse().

Tuples

• Immutable list-like structure.

Dictionaries

• Key-value pairs for storing data.

Control Structures

Conditional Statements

• if, else if, else to control flow based on conditions.

Loops

• While Loops: Execute block repeatedly as long as condition is true.
• For Loops: Iterate over a sequence of values.

Error Handling

• Use try and except to manage exceptions and errors gracefully.

File Operations

• Read, write, and append to files using open().
• Different modes: 'r', 'w', 'a'.

Functions

• Define functions with def keyword.
• Return values using return.
• Utilize parameters for input.

Classes and Objects

• Model real-world entities with Python classes.
• Define data types using class attributes and methods.

Modules

• Import and use modules for additional functionality.
• Use pip to manage external libraries.

Project Ideas

• Guessing Games: Implement while loops and if conditions.
• Quiz App: Use data structures and functions to manage questions and track score.

Conclusion

• Python is versatile for a wide range of applications.
• Practice through building projects to solidify understanding.